Students pitch in to help others this holiday season

Although final exams are just around the corner, and it's the busy jolly holly time, students are taking time and making the effort to pitch in and help others in the spirit of the season.

A few select examples below show the extent of student efforts.

Student helpers are filling up Santa's sack with new Toys for Tots to ensure that no child is forgotten during the holidays.

The Panhellenic Council is coordinating the effort with the big assist of a $300 donation from the Black Student Union. Members of the Chi Omega sorority also are getting in the swing of things by dressing up as Santa, beard and all, and posing for photographs with students for $2. Proceeds help the Toys for Tots campaign.

Students living in Gilbert Residence Hall A and B also are contributing to Toys for Tots, as well as to the Delaware Food Bank.

Donations to Toys for Tots are welcome at the Office of Greek Affairs, 12 West Delaware Ave., through Dec. 10.

Members of the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority are conducting a candy-o-gram sale to benefit the National Kidney Foundation.

Students are assisting with the Newark Parks and Recreation Division's Secret Santa Shoppe, where children can browse and buy gifts for family and friends.

Harrington C and Gilbert D and E residents are helping set up and helping children with crafts at Newark's Snack with Santa, held at West Park School.

Ronald McDonald House families are getting a helping hand from students in Cannon Residence Hall. Volunteers will spend time doing chores at the house and also are raising money for a family to be housed there for a few days.

Residents at Christiana Towers are volunteering to do some painting at Girls Inc., while resident assistants will work at Hope Dining Kitchen in Newark.

Students in the Rodney complex are contributing to the Delaware Food Bank.

Residents of Brown and Sypherd halls have volunteered to take senior citizens from the Mary Campbell Center shopping at the mall.

In addition to these special holiday projects, students serve in many ongoing activities, such as tutoring children and other volunteer work. Throughout the year, students contribute a great deal to the community in many ways, according to Cynthia Cummings, residence life.